Jul 12 Toshioka | 自家製中華そば としおか

Style: Shoyu w/ Tonkotsu & GyokaiBowl to Crush : Tsuke Menma | つけメンマ

In mid 2014, a legendary Tokyo ramen shop named Benten closed its doors in Takadanobaba. One year later, Benten’s sole apprentice, Okabe-san, opened his own shop serving a very similar menu. Word got out, and the ramen heads flocked. Benten has since reopened in a new location, but the stream of customers at Toshioka has remained. Just like Benten, this spot is legit.

A small shop with a barebones minimalist aesthetic, Toshioka has just eight seats arranged around a simple wooden counter. All of the seats offer a nice view of Okabe-san manning the kitchen solo, preparing the bowls meticulously by hand. A line of patient customers waiting in front of the shop is the norm.

Toshioka serves ramen and tsukemen in various varieties, all of it based on the Benten originals. Luscious gyokai and tonkotsu soup along with Okabe-san’s handmade noodles. The menma, meanwhile, is soft, sweet and chopped small — easy to take down as you slurp. Also highly recommended is the spicy ‘karami’, a red chili-like substance to add to your bowl. Any eater should come away from Toshioka satisfied.